The Saskatchewan EnerGuide for Houses Program has been renewed by the Government of Saskatchewan to continue encouraging Saskatchewan homeowners to make energy efficient home upgrades at a more affordable cost.
SaskEnergy will continue to administer the government-funded program by providing grants to qualifying homeowners up to a maximum of $5,000 and subsidizing pre-retrofit and post-retrofit evaluations.
"Our government is committed to energy conservation and we want to continue offering a program that works for Saskatchewan people," Minister responsible for SaskEnergy Dustin Duncan said. "I'm encouraged that more than 38,000 homeowners have used this program and removed more than 112,000 greenhouse gas emissions from our environment. That is the equivalent of taking more than 20,000 cars off the road."
The EnerGuide program was set to expire on March 31, but with an uptake by Saskatchewan homeowners that reached the highest per capita participation rate of all provinces and territories in Canada, the popular program has since been renewed until October 31, 2013.
The renewed program will also introduce further enhancements, such as encouraging homeowners to upgrade to the most efficient equipment available and to undertake renovations that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower overall energy bills.
The grants provided through the EnerGuide Program are linked to beneficial economic spinoffs for Saskatchewan distributors, retailers and contractors that sell and install the energy efficient products. Natural Resources Canada studies indicate, on average, with every provincial dollar invested into home retrofit programs, a homeowner invests another $7 to $10 dollars in upgrades.
"Renewing the EnerGuide Program really offers a win-win scenario for everyone involved," Regina-based Arrow Plumbing & Heating Dave Carruthers said. "Homeowners will continue to receive financial incentives to make energy-efficient improvements, and the investments they make support businesses, like plumbing and heating contractors, and the job opportunities we create for Saskatchewan people."
The estimated annual cost of the EnerGuide Program grants are expected to be between $4 million and $8 million. The continuation of the program could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the province by up to 34,000 tonnes over that time period.
For more information, please visit SaskEnergy's website at http://www.saskenergy.com/saving_energy/energuide.asp.
